Windows 8 release date set for 26 October

Microsoft finally gives a Windows 8 launch date for your diary

President of Windows at Microsoft, Steven Sinofsky, made the announcement at the firm's annual sales meeting finally giving a specific date. The 26 October is a Friday so you can put it in your calendar and spend the following weekend upgrading to Windows 8. See also: Windows 8: the complete guide.

Eager consumers will be able to either upgrade to Windows 8 on 26 October or purchase in pre-installed on a new PC, Microsoft said in a blog post. The OS will be available in 109 languages across 231 markets worldwide. See also Windows 8 release date and features UK.

Smart home- or wearable tech: which is more likely to benefit your digital life this year?

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